This is the year it all comes together for the entire organization.
Our first four predictions all centered around the current NHL team. I decided to go one step further with my own bold prediction: this year, it's going to click from the top down. The Blue Jackets will become a powerhouse, and the entire organization will emerge as a cohesive unit.
From Adam Fantilli becoming an elite player, to Zach Werenski breaking records, through Kent Johnson emerging as a play driver on the top line, and Jet Greaves getting major recognition. Down through the Cleveland Monsters playing great hockey, and some of the top prospects breaking out in the NCAA.
I'll predict that the magic touch Don Waddell gave to the Carolina Hurricanes franchise, finally becomes a thing for the Blue Jackets. What would that look like? How would we grade the possible outcome of this?
Well, lets be more specific: the Jackets will make the playoffs in a divisional spot; not the wild card. They will win at least one playoff round. The Monsters will make a deep playoff run on the backs of CBJ prospects. Cayden Lindstrom, Oscar Hemming, and Jackson Smith all have bigger years at the collegiate level.
All of this culminates in the entire organization's perception being lifted out of the doldrums, and into the spotlight.
Knies becomes a big part of the core, helping Fantilli and Johnson both break out and become elite offensive players in this league. Denton Mateychuk turns into an elite puck mover, while Carson Soucy becomes a quality shutdown option on the third pairing.
Hey, if we're going to dream, dream big, right?
In conclusion, we were very positive yet again this year. I hope this team gives us something to smile about by the time it's all said and done. We have been very patient, after all. Either way, we'll revisit these and grade at the end of the season.
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